Generation Next

Many Americans envision the future of our country with gloom and despair. They live in a faltering economy that may continue struggling for many years to come. They see a government full of corruption and with trillions of dollars of debt. Most of all, they find the next generation preoccupied with entertainment and disgusted with learning.

This last issue is one that many people think about, but few are willing to discuss. The predominant feelings towards the upcoming generation include despair and hoplessness. However, despite these feelings towards "adolescents," "teenagers," and young people in general, there is still evidence that even though the next generation has some maturing to do, not all is lost.

While facts show much of American education is of mediocre quality and that many of the next generation would rather go to a party than make a good grade in a class, applying these to the whole of the next generation would be a hasty generalization. Not all young people are settling for inadequate education; they are not all so narrow-minded that momentary enjoyment is the focus of all their time. Generation Next has both the opportunity and passion to change their world positively.

Opportunity
Unlike any generation before, the upcoming generation has an unprecedented access to information. While just two centuries ago, a piece of news might take weeks and even months to travel through the world on ships and horses, that same piece of news would take not more than a few seconds to reach the ears of the public via the internet and cell phones.

Not only are the internet and cell phones useful for sharing and learning information, they have created a completely new source of public dialogue: a place where public opinion can be formed, debated, and influenced. Resources such as Facebook, Twitter, and blogging bring together groups of like-minded people from across the nation and even across the world, creating powerful entities that can voice their opinion and influence others.

Passion
Opportunities without passionate people to take them are worthless. While a majority of adolescents and young adults may not be motivated, a surprising number of young people have shown enthusiasm to play a part in the political process. These individuals have used their eloquence, passion, and critical thinking to further liberty and encourage thoughtful public debate on important societal issues.

Examples range far and wide of the young firebrands who, instead of sitting around complaining about the government, are running for and winning positions where they can influence policy.

Alex Morse, the youngest mayor of Holyoke, Massechusetts at 22, was elected just this past month against a heavyweight incumbent as an opponent to a local casino and a proponent of investing in promising local businesses.*

Other examples include Ricky Gill, who at 17 was appointed to serve on the California state board of education. He is now running for Congress with his 25th birthday making him eligible for election just a month before primaries.**

Such stories, and the plethora of others, give inspiration and hope that the next generation is taking the opportunities given them with eagerness. The passion that many of them possess is one that is willing to serve and change our country for the better.


*http://www.masslive.com/politics/index.ssf/2011/11/alex_morse_elected_youngest_ma.html
**http://www.worldmag.com/articles/18870